Linfen is a prefecture-level city located in the southwest of Shanxi province, China. It borders Shaanxi province to the west and is situated along the banks of the Fen River. The region's geography features the Luliang Mountains to the west and the remaining branches of Taiyue to the east, with a vast river valley plain running between them.
The city covers an area of 20,275 square kilometres and had a population of 3,976,481 as of the 2020 Census. The built-up area consists primarily of the Yaodu urban district. Economically, Linfen ranks second in GDP within Shanxi Province.
Historically known as Pingyang during the Spring and Autumn period, the city has faced significant environmental challenges. In 2006, it was listed by the American Blacksmith Institute as one of the ten most polluted cities in the world; however, air quality in the region had improved by 2023.